Left side wins at both ends of this short flight. You get Lake Zurich and the Alps on departure, and the Paris basin with the Seine and city landmarks on approach. The right side offers Zurich's northern suburbs and flat Picardy farmland — neither particularly compelling.
Flown ZRH to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Paris is 296 miles (476 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
The route crosses the Jura Mountains just northwest of Zurich — a series of parallel forested ridges visible as dark corrugated terrain. Beyond that, the flight crosses the Burgundy plateau and the broad flat agricultural plains of the Champagne region, which are visually monotonous but occasionally broken by river valleys including the upper Seine and Marne tributaries.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTZurich typically departs on runway 16 (southward) or 28 (westward). On a westward departure toward France, the left side faces south and gives you a clear view of Lake Zurich stretching southeast and the Swiss Alps rising beyond it. The right side faces north toward the Zurich suburbs with far less drama.
Landing at CDG
LEFTCDG typically lands from the west on runways oriented roughly east-west (08/09 direction), meaning the aircraft approaches from the west. The left side faces south toward Paris, giving a clear view of the Seine river and the city's layout including the Eiffel Tower and La Défense district. The right side faces north toward flat agricultural Picardy with little of interest.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Paris. Left side wins at both ends of this short flight. You get Lake Zurich and the Alps on departure, and the Paris basin with the Seine and city landmarks on approach. The right side offers Zurich's northern suburbs and flat Picardy farmland — neither particularly compelling.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich typically departs on runway 16 (southward) or 28 (westward). On a westward departure toward France, the left side faces south and gives you a clear view of Lake Zurich stretching southeast and the Swiss Alps rising beyond it. The right side faces north toward the Zurich suburbs with far less drama. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich (Zürichsee) below, the Glarus Alps on the southern horizon, the Limmat river valley threading through the city, Zurich's old town (Altstadt) near the lake's northern tip.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. CDG typically lands from the west on runways oriented roughly east-west (08/09 direction), meaning the aircraft approaches from the west. The left side faces south toward Paris, giving a clear view of the Seine river and the city's layout including the Eiffel Tower and La Défense district. The right side faces north toward flat agricultural Picardy with little of interest. Notable sights include: The Seine river looping through Paris, La Défense business district tower cluster, the Eiffel Tower (visible as a thin spire from altitude), the Bois de Boulogne forest patch west of the city.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Paris?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 296 miles (476 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Paris flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Jura Mountains just northwest of Zurich — a series of parallel forested ridges visible as dark corrugated terrain. Beyond that, the flight crosses the Burgundy plateau and the broad flat agricultural plains of the Champagne region, which are visually monotonous but occasionally broken by river valleys including the upper Seine and Marne tributaries.